For a pregnant patient, what is the recommended positioning during adjustments?

• A. Prone with pillows
• B. Supine with no support
• C. Side-lying with a cushion; avoid prone
• D. Standing with no support

Answer: (C)

Positioning during adjustments in pregnancy focuses on protecting blood flow and comfort. Lying on the back can compress the inferior vena cava as the uterus grows, reducing venous return and potentially causing dizziness or fetal stress. Prone positioning increases abdominal pressure and is generally not comfortable later in pregnancy. Side-lying with a cushion supports the spine and pelvis, reduces abdominal pressure, and provides a stable, safe position for the chiropractor to perform the adjustment. Standing with no support offers less stability and isn’t the typical setup for most adjustments. In practice, left-side lying is often preferred to optimize venous return, with a cushion or bolster between the knees and under the abdomen as needed.